Life Skills for Every Day

16 essential topics — healthy eating, personal hygiene, emotions, kindness, online safety, road safety, money and more. Real skills for real life.

The Five Food Groups

Just like animals need the right food to thrive, so do you! Use the Eatwell Guide to help balance your meals.

🍎
Fruits & Vegetables
Aim for 5 portions every day!
Different colours give you different vitamins to fight off illness. Try to eat the rainbow!
🍞
Starchy Carbohydrates
Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta
These give your body and brain the energy to run, play and think!
🥚
Proteins
Beans, fish, eggs, meat
Protein acts like building blocks — it helps your muscles grow bigger and stronger.
🥛
Dairy & Alternatives
Milk, cheese, yoghurt
Calcium from dairy makes your bones and teeth strong so they don't break easily.
🥑
Healthy Fats
Unsaturated oils, nuts, avocado
These protect your heart and help your brain work properly.

💧 Smart Hydration

Your body is 60% water — you need to drink throughout the day!

💧
Water — Best choice!
Drink water throughout the day. It has no sugar and is perfect for your body.
🥛
Lower-fat milk — Great choice!
Provides calcium and protein as well as hydration.
🥤
Sugary fizzy drinks — Avoid!
These harm your teeth and have no nutritional value at all.
🍊
Fruit juice — Limit to 150ml!
Just one small glass a day, always with a meal. Too much can harm teeth.

🌈 Eat the Rainbow!

Try to get as many different colours on your plate as possible. Each colour gives your body something different!

🍅 Red — heart
🥕 Orange — eyes
🌽 Yellow — immune
🥦 Green — energy
🫐 Blue/Purple — brain
🧅 White/Brown — gut
Try This!
Next time you're food shopping with a grown-up, look at food labels together. Aim for mostly green traffic lights, some amber, and as few red as possible!
Get Cooking!
Help in the kitchen — you could wash salad leaves, stir ingredients, or chop soft vegetables (with help). When you help make food, you're more likely to enjoy eating it!

🧼 Handwashing

Hand hygiene prevents the spread of germs. Follow these steps every time!

  • 1
    Wet your hands under clean running water.
  • 2
    Lather with soap — get between your fingers and under your nails.
  • 3
    Scrub for 20 seconds — that's about as long as singing "Happy Birthday" twice!
  • 4
    Rinse all the soap off under running water.
  • 5
    Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel.
Always wash hands:
Before eating · After playing outside · After touching animals · After using the bathroom · After coughing or sneezing

🦷 Dental Care

Brushing and flossing remove plaque and prevent cavities — just like an animal's diet protects their teeth!

  • 1
    Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day — morning and night.
  • 2
    Use fluoride toothpaste — it strengthens tooth enamel.
  • 3
    Floss daily to remove food and plaque from between your teeth.
  • 4
    Visit the dentist regularly — every 6 months is recommended.
Animal connection!
Rabbits' teeth never stop growing — they need to chew hay constantly to wear them down. Gary the hedgehog can get dental problems too! Tooth health is important for ALL animals, including you.

🧸 Cleaning Up Toys

Frame chores as "helping the team" — not a punishment!

One Out, One In
Put away the toy you're playing with before getting a new one. This keeps things tidy automatically!
Low Bins with Picture Labels
Use open storage boxes on the floor with picture labels (a drawing of blocks, cars, etc.) so you always know exactly where things go.
Beat the Clock!
Set a timer for 2 minutes. Race against the clock to pack away as many toys as possible. How many can you beat?

🛏️ Making the Bed

A simple habit that starts the day feeling organised!

  • 1
    Use a simple duvet and fitted sheet — easier for small hands than complex blankets.
  • 2
    Pull and Fluff: Pull the duvet up to the pillows as soon as you get out, then give the pillow one big fluff.
  • 3
    Your favourite soft toys sleep on top of the made bed during the day.

🧺 Dirty Clothes

A simple routine means less lost socks!

Target Hamper
Keep a small, open laundry basket in your bedroom or bathroom so dirty clothes always have a home.
The Inside-Out Check
When taking clothes off: check if it's dirty, then un-bunch socks or sleeves before dropping them in the hamper.
Sock Basketball!
Roll up your socks into a ball and "shoot hoops" into the hamper. How many can you get in a row?

✅ Daily Self-Care Habits

The Doorstep Rule
Take your shoes off and place them on the mat as soon as you come inside. Every time, no exceptions!
Clear Your Plate
After every meal, carry your own plate, cup, and cutlery to the kitchen sink or counter.
Spill Drill
Keep a cloth at your height so you can wipe up your own accidental spills. Accidents happen — cleaning them up is the important bit!

⏱️ Understanding Time

Make abstract time visible using pictures and timers!

Visual Timetable
Create a daily schedule using pictures or drawings instead of just words. Put them in order from morning to night so you can see what comes next.
First / Then
"First we put on our shoes, then we can go to the park." Simple sequencing helps you understand the order of your day.
Calendar Countdown
Cross off days on a wall calendar to count down to exciting events — birthdays, holidays, or trips. Watching the days get closer makes waiting easier!

🌅 Getting Ready on Time

Beat the Timer
Use a sand timer or countdown timer. Challenge yourself to get dressed before the time runs out!
The Launchpad
The night before: lay out your clothes, pack your bag, and place your shoes by the front door in a "launchpad" spot. Morning will be SO much easier!
Ready-to-Go Music
Pick 3 songs for your morning playlist. By the time the last song finishes, shoes should be on and you should be at the door!

📅 Daily Routine

Routine Checklist
A simple morning and bedtime checklist (brush teeth ✓, get dressed ✓, pack bag ✓). Tick each task off as you go — satisfying!
Transition Warnings
"In 5 minutes the TV goes off." Then "In 1 minute, time to tidy up." Warnings help your brain get ready for what's coming next.
Anchor Points
Keep meal times and bedtime at roughly the same time every day. These become natural landmarks that help your brain understand where you are in the day.

🏷️ Naming Your Feelings

Name it to tame it — when you can name a feeling, it becomes less overwhelming!

The Feeling Wheel
Use a chart with different faces — happy, sad, angry, scared, worried, excited. Point to the face that matches how you feel inside right now.
Body Mapping
Feelings live in your body! Anger can feel like a hot tummy. Sadness can feel like a heavy chest. Worry can feel like butterflies. Where do you feel your emotions?

🌬️ Calming Down

Try these breathing exercises when feelings get big!

Smell the Cookie, Blow the Candle
Breathe in slowly through your nose like you're smelling a delicious cookie. Then breathe out slowly through your mouth like you're blowing out a candle.
Five-Finger Breathing
Hold up one hand. Use your other finger to trace up the thumb (breathe IN), then down the thumb (breathe OUT). Do this for all five fingers.
Balloon Belly
Put your hands on your tummy. Breathe in deeply to inflate your belly like a big balloon. Then breathe out slowly to let all the air out. Feel it go up and down!

🛑 When Feelings Get Very Big

The Calm Corner
Have a quiet space with pillows, soft toys, and picture books. This is a safe place to reset — not a punishment, just a place to breathe.
Traffic Light Check
🟢 Green = calm and ready. 🟡 Amber = feeling frustrated or anxious. 🔴 Red = very big feelings — time to use a calming strategy!
Feelings are OK — behaviour matters
It is always okay to feel angry, sad, or frustrated. What matters is what we do with those feelings. We can feel upset AND still make kind choices.

👂 Listening to Others

Real listening means using your whole body!

Listening Eyes
Active listening means turning your eyes, ears, AND body toward the person speaking. This shows them you care about what they're saying.
The Speaking Toy
In family chats, whoever holds the special toy gets to talk. Everyone else listens until the toy is passed on. No interrupting!
Repeat and Check
After someone talks, try to repeat what you heard: "So you want to play...?" This shows you were really listening!

🧸 Sharing

The Sand Timer Trick
Sharing doesn't mean giving a toy away forever — just letting someone have a turn until the timer runs out. Then it's your turn again!
The Waiting List
If someone wants a toy you're using, say: "You can have it next when I'm finished." Then remember to pass it on!

❤️ Comforting Others

First Aid Friend
When a friend is hurt: stop playing → ask "Are you okay?" → get a grown-up to help. Simple, but powerful!
Kind Words to Use
"I'm sorry you're sad." / "Would you like a hug?" / "That sounds really hard." / "I'm here if you need me." — These simple words make a huge difference.

🗣️ Using "I Feel" Statements

Express feelings without blaming — say how YOU feel, not what THEY did wrong!

The Formula
Say: "I feel [emotion] when you [action]. Please [solution]."
Example
"I feel sad when you take my block. Please ask me next time." — This tells the other person how you feel AND what you'd like them to do differently.
Practise when calm!
Try practising these scripts with soft toys or puppets during relaxed playtime — that way the words come naturally when you really need them.

🛑 The Stop Signal

How to use it
Hold your hand out straight like a traffic officer and say "Stop" in a firm, calm voice. Everyone takes one step back and pauses.
The Rule
If someone says "Stop" to YOU, you must stop immediately — even mid-game. This is a signal to respect, not ignore.

🤝 Finding a Win-Win

Brainstorm Together
Ask: "What can we do that's fair for BOTH of us?" A good solution makes both sides feel heard.
The Trade
Swap toys! "If you want my truck, what toy can you give me to play with instead?"
Cool Down First
Big problems can't be solved with an angry brain. Say "I need a minute" and step away. Come back when you're calmer — then talk it through.

🛡️ Your Body Belongs to You

You always have the right to say no to physical contact that makes you uncomfortable — with anyone!

The Bubble Concept
Everyone has an invisible personal bubble around their body. If someone steps inside and makes you feel uncomfortable, you have the right to step back and say so.
Clear Boundary Words
Practice saying these in a strong, calm voice: "No, thank you." / "Stop, I don't like that." / "Please give me space."
My Body, My Choice
You never have to hug or kiss anyone — including relatives — if you don't want to. A high-five, wave, or fist bump is always a good alternative.
Trust the "Uh-Oh" Feeling
If something gives you an uncomfortable "uh-oh" feeling in your tummy, leave the situation and tell a trusted adult straight away.

🤝 Respecting Others' Space

Stop Immediately
The very second a friend says "No," "Stop," or pulls away — all physical play must freeze instantly. No exceptions.
Reading Body Language
If a friend isn't smiling, is pushing you away, or looking at the floor — they are saying "no" with their body. Look for these clues!
Ask Before Touching
"Can I tickle you?" / "Can I give you a hug?" / "Can I sit next to you?" — Always ask first. When someone says no, it means they need space right now. That's okay.

🔍 Asking How Things Work

Stop looking for answers — start asking better questions!

"What Do You Notice?"
When you see something new — a boiling kettle, a worm in the garden, a rainbow — ask yourself: "What do I notice about it?" Look closely before guessing.
Flip the Question
Instead of always asking for the answer, try asking yourself first: "How do I think it works?" Then check if you were right. Getting it wrong is how scientists learn!
"What If...?" Game
Ask yourself strange questions: "What if car wheels were squares instead of circles? What would happen?" These questions stretch your thinking in brilliant ways.

💡 Solving Problems

Three Ideas Rule
Before asking for help with a small problem, think of three different ways you could try to fix it yourself. Even if they're wrong — trying them is how you learn!
Test Your Ideas
Think a heavy toy will float? Put it in the water and test it! When it sinks, ask: "Why did that happen? What can I try next?" This is exactly how scientists think.
Fact Check!
"How can we find out if this is true?" Use books or trusted websites to check facts. Look at pictures in adverts — do things really look that big in real life?

💰 Understanding Money

Money comes from work — and it takes planning to use it well!

Coins Have Different Values
Look at the numbers on coins and notes — different numbers mean different values. A £1 coin is worth 100p. A £2 coin is worth 200p!
Work and Earn
Money doesn't just come out of a machine — adults exchange their time and skills at work to earn it. Cash machines just store the money people have already earned.
The Price Tag Hunt
In the supermarket, look at the numbers on price labels. Find the cheapest and most expensive item in the same section. Why do you think the prices are different?

🏺 The Three Jars

Split your money into three clear jars so you can see it grow!

🛍️
SPEND
Money for small things you want right now — a sticker, a sweet, a small toy.
🎯
SAVE
Money kept for a bigger thing you have to wait for. Count your jar each week to see how close you're getting!
🎁
GIVE
Money for buying a gift for someone else or donating to a cause you care about.

⚖️ Needs vs Wants

✅
Needs
Things we MUST have to stay alive, healthy and safe — water, food, shelter, warm clothes.
💭
Wants
Things that are nice to have but we can live without — games, toys, sweets, new trainers.
The "Wait a Week" Test
When you really want something in a shop, write it on a wish list. If you still want it after one week, it might be worth saving for. If you've forgotten about it — you didn't really need it!

💻 Safe Internet Habits

The internet is like a public park — the same safety rules apply online as in the real world!

The Living Room Rule
Keep all internet-connected devices in shared family spaces. No screens in bedrooms behind closed doors.
Check Before You Click
Always ask a grown-up before downloading an app, clicking a link, or opening a video popup. If in doubt — don't click!
The Grandparent Rule
Before posting or sharing anything online, ask yourself: "Would I want my grandparents or teacher to see this?" If no — don't share it. Anything posted stays online forever.
If Something Scary Appears
Close the screen or turn the device over immediately. Tell a trusted adult straight away. You will NEVER get in trouble for telling someone.

🔒 Keeping Information Private

Passwords Are Like House Keys
NEVER share your password with anyone — not even friends. Only share with a parent.
Never Share These Online
Full name · Home address · School name · Phone number · Photos of your face · Photos of your uniform
— These details help strangers find you in real life.
Online Strangers ARE Real Strangers
Someone playing a game with a cartoon character picture could easily be an adult. Never text, voice chat, or share photos with anyone you don't know in real life.

⏱️ Screen Time Balance

Screen-Free Times
No screens at mealtimes. All devices off one hour before bedtime — screens make it harder to sleep!
Balanced Digital Diet
For every hour of screen time, try to spend an equal amount of time outside, reading, or doing something creative.

🌱 Mistakes Help You Grow

The brain only gets stronger when it has to work hard. Easy things don't make it grow — difficult things do!

Beautiful Oops!
When you spill paint, tear paper, or knock something over — call it a "beautiful oops." What can you turn the mistake into?
The Magic Word: "Yet"
Instead of "I can't ride this bike" — say "I can't ride this bike YET." Yet turns a wall into a door!
Share Your Flops
Even adults make mistakes all the time. When something goes wrong, say it out loud: "Oh, I burnt the toast! That's okay — I'll try again."

🔄 Getting Back Up

"What Did We Learn?"
Treat every fail like a science experiment. Ask two questions: "What went wrong?" and "What can I do differently next time?"
Praise Effort, Not Results
"I'm proud of how hard you practiced, even when it got tricky" — this matters more than "You're so clever!" because effort is something you can always choose.
Break It Down
If a big task feels impossible, start with just ONE tiny step. Writing a whole story? Just write one sentence. One sentence is a win!
Rest Isn't Quitting
When you feel overwhelmed, it's okay to take a break, have a drink of water, and come back to the problem later. Resting is smart — not giving up.

🆘 The Emergency Number

In the UK, dial 999 (or 112) for police, fire, or ambulance in a real emergency!

What counts as an emergency?
Fire · Someone seriously hurt · Someone who cannot wake up · A crime happening right now. Only call 999 for real emergencies.
The Three Questions
When you call 999, the operator will ask:
1. "Which service — Fire, Police, or Ambulance?"
2. "What is your address?"
3. "What is the emergency?"
Practice these answers so you know them by heart!
Locked Phone Trick
Even on a locked phone, swipe to the lock screen → tap "Emergency" → dial 999. You don't need a passcode!

👤 If You Get Lost

Know Your Full Name and Address
Practice saying: your full first and last name, a parent's full name, your home address and postcode. Police officers can't find "Mummy" — but they can find your address!
Find the Uniform
If lost in a shop or park, stay still and look for someone in a uniform — a police officer, shop assistant, or security guard. Or find a mum with children.
The "Stay Put" Rule
If you lose sight of a grown-up, FREEZE exactly where you are. If you stay still, they can find you. If you run around, it becomes much harder!

🚦 The Green Cross Code

Four steps to cross any road safely in the UK!

  • 1
    Find a safe place. Look for a pedestrian crossing first. If none, find a spot with a clear view in all directions — not near bends.
  • 2
    Stop. Stand slightly back from the kerb, away from passing traffic.
  • 3
    Look and listen. Look right → look left → look right again. Listen for engines or sirens. Keep looking as you cross.
  • 4
    Walk — don't run. Walk straight across. Keep looking and listening. Never run — you could trip!

🚶 Using Crossings

Zebra Crossings
Drivers MUST stop when you step on the stripes — but wait until all wheels have completely stopped moving before stepping off the kerb.
Pelican / Puffin Crossings
Press the button and wait for the GREEN walking man. Even then — look both ways to make sure all vehicles have actually stopped.
Always Hold Hands Near Roads
Near any road, hold an adult's hand. No exceptions — even for a "quick" dash across.

⚠️ Hidden Dangers

White Reverse Lights
White lights at the back of a parked car mean it's about to reverse — step back immediately and wait until it has moved fully out.
Never Cross Between Parked Cars
If you must, pull slowly forward to the edge of the cars first and look around them carefully before stepping into the road.
Wear Bright Colours
On cloudy days or dark evenings, wear bright or reflective clothing so drivers can see you easily — especially in winter.

🛡️ The PANTS Rule

An NSPCC safety rule to help children understand body boundaries. Teach this early — it could keep them safe.

🩲
P — Privates are Private
The parts of your body covered by underwear or a swimsuit are private. No one should touch or look at them — and you should not touch anyone else's.
💪
A — Always remember your body belongs to YOU
You have the right to say "no" to unwanted physical contact from anyone — even family members.
🤫
N — No secrets that upset you
A nice surprise (like a birthday gift) is different from a bad secret. If anyone asks you to keep a secret about touching — tell an adult straight away.
📢
T — Speak up — someone can help
If someone makes you feel confused, worried, or sad about your body — it is NEVER your fault. Tell a trusted grown-up straight away.
⭐
S — Shout, run, tell
If someone tries to break the PANTS rule — shout, run away, and tell a trusted adult immediately.

👐 Your Trusted Five

Who can you tell?
Think of 5 trusted adults you could talk to if you ever felt unsafe or worried: a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, the school nurse, or another family member. Know their names — these are your "Trusted Five".
Keep Telling
If you tell a trusted adult and they don't believe you or don't help — keep telling other people on your list until someone helps you. You have done nothing wrong.
Everyday Practice
When adults say "stop tickling" or "stop," they stop IMMEDIATELY — and you should too. You control who touches you. Always.

🏃 Getting Active Every Day

Aim for 60 minutes of active play every day — sunlight and fresh air are nature's battery chargers!

The Activity Jar
Write activities on slips of paper: "10 star jumps," "crab walk," "frog hops," "dance to one song." Pick one when you have extra energy!
Animal Race
Run like a cheetah · Skip like a kangaroo · Slither like a snake · Gallop like a horse · Hop like a frog. Which animal can you move like best?
The Floor is Lava!
A classic for a reason — jumping between cushions, pillows, or floor tiles builds balance, coordination and core strength while being brilliant fun.

💤 Why Sleep Matters

Your Body is Like a Smartphone
When you sleep, your battery plugs into the charger. Without a full night's sleep, your battery drains fast and everything feels harder.
The Brain's Clean-Up Crew
While you sleep, your brain sorts out everything you learned that day and repairs tired muscles so you can grow! That's why you're always a little taller after a long sleep.
Wind-Down Routine
Bath → book → bed. The same routine every night helps your brain know it's time to sleep. Screens off at least 1 hour before bed — blue light tricks your brain into thinking it's daytime!

📊 Daily Habits to Track

Move Your Body Checklist
Tick off movement each day: walk to school · ride a scooter · dance to a song · play in the garden · swim · cycle. Every tick counts!
Sleep Stars
Stick a star on the calendar every morning you wake up feeling rested and full of energy. Watch how sleep quality affects how your day feels!
Water After Running
Drink water after exercise — muscles need water to stay stretchy and avoid getting sore. Your body is about 60% water!
1. How many portions of fruit and vegetables should you aim for each day?
2. How long should you scrub your hands when washing them?
3. Which food group helps your muscles grow bigger and stronger?
4. How many minutes should you brush your teeth for?
5. Which drink is the best choice throughout the day?
Score: 0 / 0 answered